theuerkorn's Full Review: Memorex iMove™ Mi3005-BLK Docking Station for Ap...
We didn't seem to have much luck with cheap portable iPod speakers as of late. While the Kicker iK500 still performs like a charm, but of course lacks the portability provided by batteries, the Altec Lansing died of abuse only a few months into use, and the iLUV i552 was initially dead on arrival and the revival didn't last for more than a week before returning to Nirvana. Even the first one of this Memorex iMove 3005 was indeed dead on arrival. The second device now now officially has the honors of being the longest lasting speaker in this abusive environment. ;-)
IN A NUTSHELL
Ignoring the aggrevation of having a broken device at first, the iMove does impress with reasonably good sound at a fairly high volume. Even the bass is pretty good. Power comes at a price, and the 8x D-cell batteries add significantly to the heft of this otherwise very light device.
The ipod interface comes with several snap-ons to give the iPod a better hold and holds to the different shapes closer by installing the right insert. The iPhone fits without an insert. (You will have to turn the phone section off in order to enjoy the sound, as the iMove is not shielded and will have interference.
Overall, it's a good sounding durable device at a reasonable price.
DETAILS
Compatibility: [****-] The iMove 3005 works with most iPods as they share the same connector, with exception of the Shuffle models that use the USB connector. The iPhone which plays okay in airplane mode, but the typical GSM interferences with the phone active are destroying the sound everytime the phone checks with the network.
Reliability: [***--] On average the iMove 3005 scores fine with one terrible and the other excellent. Unline other speakers, though, the second device was there to last and erased most of the negative reliability of the first and the previous models. I would suggest to buy this locally as chances are high you may have to return it for a working model.
Design: [****-] The simple wedge shape design is pleasing and the speaker mesh as well as the simple lines are well done. The sides are coated with soft touch material to upgrade the appearance. The push buttons are a bit designed for looks as volume is harder to adjust that way that say with the standard wheel. Their positioning around the iPod may make sense at first, but really isn't all that convenient in normal use. Sound: [***--] Supported by both size and bass tubes, the iMove 3005 does impress in the sound department and produces a reasonably good bass. It won't match some of the pricier models, but is certainly worth a recognition in the sub-$100 range. Both volume and sound exceed the the Altec Lansing iM600.
Batteries: [****-] The iMove 3005 allows portable sound via 8 batteries (alkaline) size D. It certainly adds to the expenses and weight, but a small price to pay for independence. Rechargable batteries might work, but we have not tried that just yet. Battery life is very good and lasted a few weeks, with 4 - 5 uses per week for about 1 hour. The device does not have a rechargeable battery included like some other portable models (like the iM600).
Radio: [***--] A useful addition is the included FM radio with reasonable receiption once the telescoping antenna is fully extended. The PLL tuner isn't stellar by any means, but still a good deal when you're sans iPod or tired of your collection. Running the radio with an iPhone (or any other GSM phone) in close proximity will cause very noticeable interferences. The radio is not HD capable and does not provide song tagging either which would be used to directly tell the unit what song is playing on the radio and of course where to buy it on iTunes.
Value: [****-] In light of low price ($69), it's somewhat forgiveable that sound and iphone compatibility are a bit lagging, though not as much as most devices in the sub $150 range. The overall design and portability are still good arguments for the iMove 3005.
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